Britain’s leading universities have declared their opposition to a key plank
of Michael Gove’s plans to restructure A levels.

The Russell Group of research-intensive universities said that splitting AS
levels from full A levels was unnecessary and might deter poor teenagers
from applying to highly selective courses.

Its resistance is highly significant after Mr Gove secured its backing for
another aspect of his A level reforms, under which the Russell Group will
create a body to advise on the content of A-level courses.

Cambridge criticised the plans to downgrade AS levels when Mr Gove announced
his plans last month but